WHMIS Symbols

The shapes of the symbols used on labels have been chosen to show the nature of thehazard they represent.Class A COMPRESSED GAS It is a gas kept under pressure. Heat may cause the container to explode. A drop or impact may cause the container to explode. E.g. steel cylinders of acetylene, oxygen, hydrogen, helium, chlorine, nitrogen, neon, argon etc. and fire extinguishers. Compressed gases can be hazardous simply because they are under high pressure, and the gas itself can also be hazardous (like chlorine gas). If the gas itself is hazardous, it will have other appropriate hazard symbols along with the compressed gas symbol. Handle with care, do not drop. Keep away from heat or potential sources of ignition. Store in a designated area. Large cylinders must be properly secured with a chain.Class B FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS The material is a potential fire hazard. It may burn at relatively low temperature. Sparks, flame or friction could ignite it. May burst into flame spontaneously in air or release a flammable gas on contact with water. Keep any of these materials away from heat sources and other combustible materials. Never smoke when working with or near the materials. Store in a cool, fire-proof area. Division 1: Flammable Gases: E.g. hydrogen, methane, propane. Division 2: Flammable Liquids Flashpoint less than 37C. These liquids catch on fire easily and have highly flammable fumes. E.g. gasoline, ethanol, methanol, diethyl ether. Division 3: Combustible Liquids: Flashpoint > 37C E.g. diesel fuel, kerosene. These are less easily ignited than flammable liquids. Division 4: Flammable Solids: E.g. magnesium, sodium, beryllium. Division 5: Flammable Aerosols: E.g. most aerosol cans contain flammable propellants, also butane, propane in aerosol containers. Division 6: Flammable Reactive Materials: Materials that could spontaneously ignite in air (celluloid, lithium aluminum hydride) or in water (sodium).

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #2A

Class C OXIDIZING MATERIALS The material is a fire or explosion risk near flammable or combustible material. May burn skin or eyes on contact. An oxidizing material may or may not burn itself, but will release oxygen or another oxidizing substance, and thereby causes or helps a flammable or combustible material to burn. E.g. sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium peroxide, benzyl peroxide, permanganates, dichromates, perchlorates, chlorine and bleach. Keep the material away from combustible materials and store in designated areas. Keep the material away from sources of ignition. Never smoke when working near the material. Wear proper protective equipment, including eye, face and hand protection and protective clothing.Class D POISONOUS AND INFECTIOUS MATERIAL The material is a potentially fatal poisonous substance. It may be fatal or cause permanent damage if it is inhaled, swallowed or absorbed through skin. May burn skin or eyes on contact.

Division 1: Materials Causing Immediate and

Serious Toxic Effects. These materials are immediately dangerous to life and health. They can kill you fast! Handle the material with extreme caution. Avoid contact with the skin or eyes, use proper protective clothing. Avoid inhaling by working in well-ventilated areas. Wear respiratory equipment. Wash and shower thoroughly after using. Store in designated areas only.

Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

The material is poisonous but not immediately dangerous to health. It may cause death or permanent damage as a result of repeated exposure over time. Usually the effects result from repeated exposure to the substance in the workplace over a long period of time. E.g. repeated exposure to benzene, asbestos. Includes materials that can cause immediate irritation (to the eyes, skin, or lungs).

Grade 8 - WHMIS - Student Handout #2B

Class DDivision 2 Includes materials that can cause ill healthcontinued effects that are not immediate; such as allergies, asthma, cancer, organ damage, birth defects, sterility, or other serious illness or disease. Avoid skin and eye contact by wearing all protective equipment necessary including eye, face and hand protection and protective clothing. Avoid inhaling by working in well-ventilated areas. Use respiratory equipment. Store in designated areas.